Relational futures: Indigenous sovereignty and the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) Report

[Tanja Dreher]

Dear colleagues

Sharing a new report from MQ researchers:

First empirical study on Indigenous peoples AI use

Relational futures: Indigenous sovereignty and the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) Report

Bronwyn Carlson and Tamika Worrell

This report presents findings from the Relational Futures project, an Indigenous led study examining how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encountering and responding to AI, including generative systems, automated decision-making tools, and AI companions. Download the report here: https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/publications/relational-futures-indigenous-sovereignty-and-the-governance-of-a/

Covered in The Conversation: https://theconversation.com/no-accountability-no-checks-and-balances-no-responsibility-how-indigenous-peoples-think-about-ai-280734 - there are clear warnings about what happens when questions of accountability, harm and care are ignored. As one participant told us, AI comes with “no accountability, no checks and balances, no responsibility”. 

Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in everyday life in Australia, shaping communication, services, and relationships. This report presents findings from the Relational Futures project, an Indigenous led study examining how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encountering and responding to AI, including generative systems, automated decision-making tools, and AI companions. The research draws on a mixed methods approach combining an online survey with 36 respondents and yarning circles with 22 participants, providing both broad and in-depth insight into Indigenous experiences of AI across community and professional contexts. This report presents the initial findings as the project continues.

Dr Tanja Dreher (she/her)

Deputy Head of School (Research) | Associate Professor in Media | Co-Director Media Futures Hub

School of Arts and Media | Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture

University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia

I am currently working Monday - Thursday 

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